Since 2008, Air Canada has offered non-stop service from Ottawa (YOW) to Frankfurt, Germany (FRA).

Not only is Frankfurt a global centre for commerce, FRA airport is a major European hub from which Lufthansa – Air Canada’s Star Alliance Partner – connects to a vast network of cities ranging from Abuja to Zurich. Popular final destinations for Ottawa-Gatineau originating customers using this route include Beirut, Rome, Delhi and Dubai.

The Ottawa-Frankfurt flight serves government as well as many National Capital Region businesses. Frequent users include staff and partners of MDS Aero Support Corporation, an engineering-based organization that supplies test facilities for aviation, industrial and marine gas turbine engines.

“Frankfurt airport connects us to all of Europe and beyond, making it an essential hub for our business,” said Elizabeth MacLeod, MDS Aero Support’s Office and Facilities Manager. “With our headquarters in Ottawa, and a core staff of over 250 project-driven individuals, we know the value of efficiency – YOW-FRA works extremely well for our team.”

Another Ottawa company benefitting from Air Canada’s YOW-FRA service is TaraSpan, which specializes in accelerating and de-risking India market entry.

“Frankfurt is a key connection point to India because we can easily access the strategic markets of Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai and Pune,” said TaraSpan Chairman Mike Manson. “With more than 200 clients in India, it’s critical that we’re accessible.”

Air Canada-Star Alliance carrier connections in Frankfurt are simple and fast through special in-transit facilities that enable passengers to proceed directly to their flight without the need to collect baggage. Like Air Canada, Lufthansa is a Skytrax-rated 4-star airline. Combined with its subsidiaries, Lufthansa has one of the largest passenger airline fleets in the world. From FRA, Lufthansa flies to approximately 150 destinations with multiple cabin classes, lounges and services to suit all travelers.

YOW’s non-stop overseas flights consist of Air Canada’s year-round London-Heathrow, and seasonal Frankfurt service. Like all air routes, they’re provided by airlines on a use-them-or-lose-them basis. That’s why smart companies like MDS Aero Support Corporation and TaraSpan choose FRA for Europe and beyond travel.